The Department of
Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Information Meeting
concerning the rehabilitation of Bridge Nos. 01218 and 04180 which carry I-84
over the Housatonic River in Newtown and Southbury. Project
No. 96-201 involves the rehabilitation of Bridge Nos. 01218 and 04180 which are
4-span continuous plate girder structures supported by reinforced
concrete abutments and piers that are founded on piles. Bridge No. 01218 carries I-84 Eastbound
over the Housatonic River and is known as the Rochambeau Bridge. This structure was originally built in 1953
and reconstructed in 1979. Bridge No.
04180 carries I-84 Westbound over the Housatonic River and was built circa
1979. Both structures have an overall
length of 792 feet and a curb-to-curb width of 60 feet.

The proposed project scope includes the
replacement of the existing two-girder floor system with a steel multi-girder
superstructure on both bridges. The new
superstructures will have the same out-to-out and curb-to-curb widths as the
existing bridge superstructures.
Modifications to the existing abutment stems and construction of new
pier caps on top of the existing pier walls will be necessary to accommodate
the new multi-girder configuration.
Concrete repairs on Pier 3 of Bridge No. 04180 will be completed. To facilitate demolition and erection
operations, the construction of a temporary work trestle in the median between
the two bridges is proposed. The work
trestle will be supported on temporary piles which will be driven into the
river bed and will be removed or cut after construction. Construction access will likely be from the
temporary work trestle and barges.

Maintenance and protection of traffic
will be accomplished by crossing one bound of I-84 over to one bridge while
construction occurs on the adjacent bridge.
Two 12-foot wide travel lanes and 1-foot wide shoulders will be
maintained in each direction while the crossover is in-place. The sidewalk on Bridge No. 01218 will be
closed for approximately two years while the demolition of the existing
superstructure and construction of the new superstructure occurs. Wayfinding signs will be placed directing cyclists
and pedestrians to use the River Road #2 crossing over the Housatonic River.

Construction is anticipated to commence in the spring of
2020, assuming availability of funding and receipt of any required
environmental permits or right-of-way acquisitions, and be completed in fall
2024. The estimated construction cost
for the project is $60,000,000 and will use Federal and State funds.

The Public Information Meeting is being held to afford
a full opportunity for the publicís participation and to allow open discussion
of any views and comments the community may have prior to progressing the
proposed project into the Design Phase.

Conceptual drawings will be available for public
review. Department personnel will be
available during the meeting to discuss this project. More detailed information is available at the
Department's Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington,
Connecticut, during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.
Anyone wishing to review the
plans may contact Mr. Andrew J. Cardinali, Transportation Supervising Engineer,
at (860) 594-3315.